Health insurance focus of Fishermen’s Forum

ROCKPORT – The 27th annual Maine Fishermen’s Forum, which begins Thursday at the Samoset Resort, will focus on an issue critical to the survival of independent fishermen: health insurance.

It may not have much to do with nets or lines, but according to Chilloa Young, who helps organize the conference, the high cost of coverage is limiting the ability of independent fishermen to make a living.

“They can’t afford $800 a month for a family of four,” Young said. “And that’s with a $15,000 deductible.”

Among the public officials who plan to attend and speak about health insurance are House Speaker Michael Saxl, D-Portland; state Rep. Chris O’Neil, D-Saco, House chairman of the Banking and Insurance Committee; and Sen. Susan Longley, D-Liberty, a 2nd Congressional District candidate.

“Health Insurance Crisis in Maine’s Fishing Industry” is the title of an all-day seminar on the issue Thursday.

Lisa Pohlmann, associate director of the Maine Center for Economic Policy, will discuss the single-payer system, and David Bergeron will describe the fishermen’s partnership.

Also speaking on health insurance will be Eric Cioppa, deputy commissioner of the state Insurance Bureau; Alice Knapp, a health insurance lawyer; and John Benoit, president of the Holden Insurance Agency.

As many as 2,000 people are expected to attend the forum, which continues through Sunday.

For information, see www.maineseafood.org.